'Under the star-illuminated skies of the Torres Strait, a green turtle navigates her way back to the beach where she was born. The season has started, the turtles are returning to nest, and soon the island will welcome a new generation of hatchlings – amongst them, our small turtle friend, Migi!
'In Bangarra’s first dedicated work for children, join our heroine Migi as she undertakes a journey of discovery and survival. A contemporary saltwater Lagaw Kazil (Island Children) story inspired by the totemic system of the green turtle, Waru– journey of the small turtle is an interactive and immersive introduction to Torres Strait Islander culture and dance for 3 to 7 year-olds, premiering at Bangarra’s newly renovated home in Walsh Bay.
'Created by Stephen Page, together with Hunter Page-Lochard and Bangarra alumni Dancers and Choreographers Sani Townson and Elma Kris, >Waru provides teachers, parents and care-givers with a unique opportunity to open up conversations about climate change, caring for the environment and the traditional cultural values of respect and reciprocity. Inspired in part by Turtle (Corroboree, 2001), choreographed by Stephen Page, Peggy Misi and Elma Kris.'
Source: Bangarra Dance Theatre.
Set to be presented at Bangarra Studio Theatre, Walsh Bay, 8-10 July 2021.
Director: Stephen Page.
Cultural Creatives: Sani Townson and Elma Kris.
Writer: Hunter Page-Lochard.
Composers: Steve Francis and David Page.
Set and Costume Designer: Jacob Nash.
Lighting Designer: Matt Cox.
Language Consultant: Leonora Adidi.
Narrator: Elma Kris.
Performer: Aba Bero.
Production postponed, but not initially, cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Set to premiere in 2022.
Presented at Bangarra Studio Theatre, Wharf 4/5, Walsh Bay, 24 September - 9 October 2022.
Director: Stephen Page.
Cultural Creatives: Sani Townson and Elma Kris.
Writer: Hunter Page-Lochard.
Composers: Steve Francis and David Page.
Set and Costume Designer: Jacob Nash.
Lighting Designer: Matt Cox.
Language Consultant: Leonora Adidi.
Narrator: Elma Kris.
Performer: Aba Bero.
Presented at the Pavilion Performing Arts Centre, Sutherland, NSW (Dharawal Country), 28-29 January 2023.
Presented at the Studio Theatre, Bangarra (Gadigal Country), 27 September - 14 October 2023.
Toruing Victoria, NSW, Queensland, and Northern Territory from September - November 2023 (details not available).